Britons continue to flock to Maldives
The Maldives saw a 17.5% rise in the number of UK visitors in March compared with the same month last year.
In total, 11,829 UK travellers visited the Maldives last month.
The islands saw a 12% rise in the number of UK tourists during the first quarter of the year, according to the tourism ministry.
International visitor numbers during March were up 18.5% and they were 17% higher during the whole of the third quarter.
This year, at least 23 new resorts will open in the Maldives, including what is believed to be the world’s first undersea residence at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in the fourth quarter of the year.
Maldives’ minister of tourism Moosa Zameer said: "We are very pleased to see such a significant rise in both the number of UK and international tourists to the Maldives which is largely thanks to the work carried out by the Embassy of Maldives, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation and the tourism industry stakeholders at large.
"The UK continues to establish itself as one of the most valuable inbound markets for tourism to the Maldives and with a number of exciting new tourism developments launching this year, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors during the remaining months of 2018."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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